Dec 18, 2011

Butia yatay is a single-stemmed, 10-12 m high palm tree, covered with the remains of leaf bases which stay on its trunk for a considerable length of time. It is native to Uruguay, Argentina and southern Brazil. Its foliage is persistent and cinereous grey in color. Leaves are pinnately compound, slightly curved, 2-3 m long, with pinnules arranged in two divergent planes forming an acute angle. Flowers are unisexual, and are located on interfoliar, ligneous spathes. They are yellow and have 3 sepals and 3 petals, 6 stamens on a superior ovary (that is, above the point of insertion of the petals, sepals and stamens). Long inflorescences can contain up to 150 flowers, most of which form the numerous small fruits. Flowering occurs in spring and summer. The fruit is an ovoid, pyriform drupe, 3-5 cm long, with the perianth covering one third to a half of its size. Its pulp is fibrous but aromatic, acidic and sweet and is used to make juice and jam. Butia yatay is the tallest in the genus. It can be found predominantly in Paysandu and Rio Negro departments. Historically, the extension of palm savannahs was much greater than the isolated patches found today. Within its region of origin many have disappeared as a result of intensive grazing and desforestation for agricultural cultivation. In Argentina, the destruction of most of the Yatay palm stands in the Paraná River area is considered a key factor in the extinction of the Glaucous Macaw, Anodorhynchus glaucus (del Hoyo et al. 1997). Propagation of this palm can be achieved through seeds, which should be soaked before planting and are very slow to germinate, taking up to 4-6 months.

Why bilingual? For starters, Spanish is my native tongue. Secondly, English is still the universal language and the blog is meant to be accessible for anyone on the globe who is into Nature conservancy; particularly in getting to know Uruguay's flora and fauna.

"Hunting is merely a cowardly circumlocution for the cowardy murder of fellow creatures who do not have a chance. Hunting is a variant of human mental illness" Theodore Heuss (First president of the Republic of Germany; 1884-1963)

"When I was twelve, I went hunting with my father and we shot a bird. He was laying there and something struck me. Why do we call this fun to kill this creature who was as happy as I was when I woke up this morning?" (American and Canadian football coach, 1925-)

"May I walk unceasingly on the banks of my river, may my soul repose on the branches of the trees which I planted, and may I may refresh myself under the shadow of my sycamore tree".Egyptian tomb inscription, circa 1400 AD

"We must protect the forests for our children, grandchildren and children yet to be born. We must protect the forests for those who can't speak for themselves such as the birds, other animals and the trees."Chief Edward Moody, Qwatsinas, Nuxalk Nation

"No man is an island, entire of itself; every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main. If a clod be washed away by the sea, Europe is the less, as well as if promontory were... Any man's death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind; and therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls: it tolls for thee".John Donne, English Metaphysical poet (1572 - 1631)